All the figures aren’t in yet but it looks as if Souper Supper and Silent Auction 2002 was another huge success! The event, held this past weekend at the American Legion Building in Centre, cleared $5,000 for the Red Cross, said Bobbie Howell, chapter manager.

Carolyn Priebe, chairperson, Red Cross Board of Directors, welcomed those attending and presented a plaque to the winner of the soup contest.”

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for your presence here,” said Mrs. Priebe. “I would like to thank each and every Red Cross volunteer and worker. The soup tonight is an awesome selection. Our judges had a hard time making a selection, but the first place winner of our soup tonight was donated by The Twilight Club.”

Judges for this year’s soup competition were Mary Formby, Sandra Hooper and Jane James.

“If you look around the walls you can see all of the people that have sponsored or given items for the

event,” said Mrs. Howell. “The people in Cherokee County have been really wonderful. I started working for Red Cross in July. Since Sept. 11, 2001 volunteers went out and did all kinds of wonderful things, giving money and support. Then we had the Sand Rock tornado and you helped out there too. We just appreciate all that you do. When you give blood, you give the gift of life. When you give your time and your finances, you give the gift of love and when you give love, it just keeps going. We appreciate you and all you do.”

Delsie Yother, volunteer coordinator, also expressed her appreciation.

“We’ve just been real impressed with the volunteers that we have,” said Yother. “ Sand Rock Homemakers Club, JFK Homemaker’s Club, Leesburg Homemakers Club, Fairview Homemakers Club and Blairtown Homemakers Club all participated in making the soup. In addition, the AARP, Lions Club, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Spirit of Cherokee and our winners, The Twilight Club also participated. We appreciate those clubs for providing the soup. Most of all, I would like to mention some of our volunteers, people who have agreed to work in the kitchen, Bobbie Chapman, supervisor, Dianne Tillery, Carol Coley, Ruth McMichen, Marilyn Clanton, Jane Derrick, Carol Ann Whitten and Ruby Pate. We appreciate them so much.”

Other volunteers included Jim Pearson, Dave Rogers, Cecil Poovey, Jim Sallis, Jerrell Yother, Jim Long, David Smith and James Burkhart who got the tables up in record time.

Shane Swafford conducted the auction and WEIS Radio Personality Jerry Baker served as emcee for the event.

“I think the event was very successful,” said Mrs. Howell. “And we want to thank all of the people who participated in any way.